In Sermon Illustrations: "Come Aside"

In 1903, W.c. Handy Was Waiting For A Train In ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

In 1903, W.C. Handy was waiting for a train in the town of Tutwiler, Mississippi. The train was late and so he fell asleep on the hard wooden bench of the station. He was awakened by an old raggedy man scratching the strings of an old guitar. He was singing about “goin’ to where the Southern cross ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 2:1-24, Joshua 2:1-21

Tags: Rahab, Jehoshaphat, King, Ahab, Ot Characters  (view more)  (view less)

Last Year A Former Homeless Man Was Buried At ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

Last year a former homeless man was buried at the prestigious St. John’s Episcopal Church, across from the White House. St. John’s is called the “church of presidents” since nearly every U.S. leader since James Madison has worshiped there. In an unusual memorial, former members of Congress and ...read more

Tags: Jesus Teachings

People On A Plane And People On A Pew Have A Lot ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

People on a plane and people on a pew have a lot in common – All are on a journey. Most are satisfied with a predictable experience. We like to say, “It was a nice flight/It was a nice worship service.” We exit the same way we enter, and we’re happy to return next time. A few are not content ...read more

Tags: Church Body Of Christ

In An Interview With Randy Pope Of Atlanta's ...

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

In an interview with Randy Pope of Atlanta’s Perimeter Church, he recalled a "man who called me and said, ’I’m shopping for churches. I live in another state and I want to live near my church when I go to Atlanta.’ He said, ’Tell me a little bit about your church. I understand your church is very ...read more

Tags: Church Body Of Christ

A Woman Was Driving Home One Night. The Weather ...  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007

A woman was driving home one night. The weather was really nasty. Rain was coming down in buckets and visibility was very poor. Seeing taillights ahead of her, she followed the car in front. Not being able to see, the car in front seemed to be going in the right direction. So she stuck with it. All ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 10:23-24

Tags: Leader, Follow, Easter Palm Sunday

President Mckinley Had A Mother Who Taught Him Well

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 31, 2022

As a lawyer, as a congressman, as Governor of Ohio, and as President of the United States, William McKinley had a close relationship with his mother. He either visited her or sent a message to her every day. When she became seriously ill, he arranged to have a special train standing by, ready to ...read more

Tags: Teach Your Children, Godly Mothers, Will Of God, Hymns

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Not What Was Expected

Contributed by Glynda Lomax on Mar 16, 2022

Integrity is when something is the same all the way through. Pure gold is gold and only gold, all the way through. 14kt gold is less than pure, but other metals give it a hardness that allows more uses such as making beautiful jewelry from it. The bible calls the condition of being one thing ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:21, James 3:11, James 3:12, James 3:13, Matthew 23:27, Matthew 23:28  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Integrity, Hypocrisy, Tongue

Denomination: Charismatic

A Conference With The Devil

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 15, 2022

A fictitious story has been told of a conference between Lucifer and his demons. It seems as though Satan was upset because he had not deceived enough souls and so he called for a conference with his head demons. "What are we going to do! We are not claiming enough souls for the Kingdom of ...read more

Tags: Evangelism, Satan, Parable, Demons, Excuses, Invitation, Today, Time  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dead Religion

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 13, 2022

Steven Cole gives us a powerful personal application of the story in Luke 13:10-17. Luke concludes this story by noting that Jesus’ opponents were being humiliated, but the multitude was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him (Lk 13:17). As we saw before, Jesus and His teaching ...read more

Tags: Faith, Church, Satan, Preaching, Revival, Religion, Kingdom Of God, Outlines  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Are You Carrying The World On Your Shoulders?

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 15, 2023

Bruce Larson tells how he helped people struggling to surrender their lives to Christ: "For many years I worked in New York City and counseled at my office any number of people who were wrestling with this yes-or-no decision. Often I would suggest they walk with me from my office down to the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 55:22, Matthew 11:28-30

Tags: Cares, Faith, Worry, Surrender, Burdens, Problems  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Look Of Love

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Feb 13, 2023

Most of us have a bank account, at least I hope most of us do. But have you ever watched the bank teller to see what they do? Bank tellers have a rather thankless job. All of that monotonous counting, handling those germy dollar bills, and dealing all day with people who are more than likely in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Tags: Love, False Teachers

Denomination: Baptist

Do You Have This Much Self Control?

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 27, 2023

I heard a funny story about a stunt pilot who was selling rides in his single engine airplane. One day he got into an argument with a pastor who insisted on taking his wife along at no extra charge. Not wanting to miss out on a chance to make some cash, the pilot said, “I’ll take you both up for ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Tags: Marriage, Self Denial, Fruit Of The Spirit, Works Of The Flesh, Self Control, Character Of Christ  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

3 Temptations Satan Uses Against Us

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Feb 27, 2023

Eve’s descent into depravity is an illustration of James 1:14-15: “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” This is the Bible’s description of sin’s slippery ...read more

Scripture: James 1:14-15

Tags: Eve, Sin, Satan, Temptation, Garden Of Eden, Backsliding  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Church: A Place Where Nations And Cultures Are Brought Together.

Contributed by Martin Spoelstra on Feb 28, 2023

Edgington Young, the first missionary to the native community of Saskatchewan had gone there with the message of the love of God the Father, and they received it like a new revelation. When he told his message an old chief said, “When you spoke of the great Spirit just now, did I hear you say, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 5:18, John 10:14-16, Matthew 16:13-21

Tags: Adoption, Good Shepherd, All People, Mission, Racial Barriers, Evangelism, Church  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Kissing Frogs

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Mar 31, 2023

Well ... This short discourse is called ... "Kissing Frogs" Ever feel like a Frog? Frogs feel slow, ... low, ... ugly, ... puffy, ... drooped, pooped. I know! ...... One told me. The Frog feeling comes when: You want to be bright... but you feel dull. You want to share...but you are ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-5, Philemon 1:6

Tags: Friend, Kiss, Loving, Sharing

Denomination: Anglican

From Candle To Sunlight

Contributed by Jung Lee on Jan 16, 2024

Imagine human wisdom as a candle. It provides light, yes, but it's limited – flickering and weak, barely illuminating the surrounding darkness. Now, picture God's wisdom as the sun. Vast, powerful, and bright, it floods our path with clarity and insight, making what was once obscure and ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5

Tags: Boundless, Limitation, Human Wisdom, Wisdom, Power, Divine, Insight  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

A Game Of Redemption And Unity

Contributed by Jung Lee on Jan 16, 2024

In Korea, there's a popular game called "Ice or Free." The rules are simple: one person is 'it' and chases others. Players can freeze themselves if cornered by shouting "Ice," becoming immune to being tagged. They remain frozen until a teammate tags them, setting ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-2

Tags: Spiritual Support, Christian, Responsibility, Redemption, Unity, Cycle, Spiritual Growth, Community  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Misjudging The Composer

Contributed by Jung Lee on Jan 16, 2024

In a prestigious concert hall, a renowned pianist was scheduled to perform a masterpiece by a legendary composer. The audience, filled with anticipation, settled into their seats as the performance began. However, it quickly became apparent that something was amiss. The pianist, who had been ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-2

Tags: Perfection, Imperfection, Performance, Flaw, Faith, World, Message, Discernment  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

7 Ways To Pray For Lost Loved Ones

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Mar 25, 2024

Praying for Unsaved Loved Ones “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) 1. Pray that God will draw them to himself. “No one can come to me unless the Father … draws him.” (John 6:44) 2. Pray for the Holy Spirit to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, John 20:21

Tags: Prayer, Intercession, Burden, Lost, Unsaved, Unbelievers, Evangelism, Holy Spirit, Salvation, Gospel, Missions  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What The Bible Says About The Resurrection Of Jesus

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Mar 25, 2024

Well over three hundred verses are concerned with the subject of Jesus' resurrection in the New Testament. We are told that this event is a sign for unbelievers (Matthew 12:38-40); cf. John 20:24-29) as well as the answer for the believer's doubt (Luke 24:38-43). It serves as the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:38-43

Tags: Christ, Easter, Resurrection, Heaven, Gospel, Cross, Miracles, Empty Tomb  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational